Ashiari Yashiki

by Sean Pollock

FIFTEEN-MINUTE PLAY. An adaptation of a Japanese folktale of the same name about a belligerent spirit named Ashiarai Yashiki that manifests in the form of a giant leg and insists on being washed. The story is retold in contemporary NYC through an absurdist lens with off-the-wall characters, non-sequiters, and multiple costume changes.

FIFTEEN-MINUTE PLAY. An adaptation of a Japanese folktale of the same name about a belligerent spirit named Ashiarai Yashiki that manifests in the form of a giant leg and insists on being washed. The story is retold in contemporary NYC through an absurdist lens with off-the-wall characters, non-sequiters, and multiple costume changes.

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Ashiari Yashiki

Recommended by

  • Andrew Martineau: Ashiari Yashiki by Sean Pollock
    “

    This play is spellbinding and hilarious. It is also very relatable, aside from the giant leg begging to be washed. The leg is quite symbolic. I read it as a large segment of the population seeking assistance and being told they are sponging off the government. I thoroughly enjoyed this and would love to see what a director and actors do with it!

    This play is spellbinding and hilarious. It is also very relatable, aside from the giant leg begging to be washed. The leg is quite symbolic. I read it as a large segment of the population seeking assistance and being told they are sponging off the government. I thoroughly enjoyed this and would love to see what a director and actors do with it!

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: Ashiari Yashiki by Sean Pollock
    “

    Such a fantastically imaginative play and a fascinating exploration of our existence in the capitalistic society we live in. Spellbinding!

    Such a fantastically imaginative play and a fascinating exploration of our existence in the capitalistic society we live in. Spellbinding!

    ”
  • Francesca Pazniokas: Ashiari Yashiki by Sean Pollock
    “

    Deeply bonkers, in the best way. Absurd, hilarious, and relatable for anyone living in a capitalist society in the 21st century. I'd love to see this produced.

    Deeply bonkers, in the best way. Absurd, hilarious, and relatable for anyone living in a capitalist society in the 21st century. I'd love to see this produced.

    ”

Character Information

Elvis Chambers, Policeman and Ken Abraham 'O Dicky can be expanded to be played by separate actors. Ken Abraham 'O Dicky can also be doubled with the actor providing the voice of Ashiarai Yashiki if you need to pinch pennis.
  • ASHIARAI YASHIKI
    An offstage voice; a demanding spirit. Could be doubled with ELVIS/POLICEMAN/KEN. Also, age is irrelevant in casting this play--it is very absurd. Feel free to cast any way you want.
    Any
    Any
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
  • BRUCE
    Twenties-Early 30's. A depressed gay man. Also, age is irrelevant in casting this play--it is very absurd. Feel free to cast any way you want.
    20's-early 30's
    Any
    AMAB or transmasc
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • MRS. SHEILA CHAMBERS
    20's-99. An old-fashioned meddling neighbor with a midwestern accent. Also, age is irrelevant in casting this play--it is very absurd. Feel free to cast any way you want.
    20's-99
    Any
    AFAB or transfem
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • MR. ELVIS CHAMBERS/POLICE MAN/KEN ABRAHAM 'O DICKY
    Sheila's husband with a midwestern accent/a deadpan policeman/a newscaster. Also, age is irrelevant in casting this play--it is very absurd. Feel free to cast any way you want.
    20's-99
    Any
    AMAB or transmasc
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • HAMANTHA LIPCHITZ
    20's-99. Bruce's neighbor who is unraveling. Also, age is irrelevant in casting this play--it is very absurd. Feel free to cast any way you want.
    20's-99
    Any
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • MISS LINDE
    20's-99. An older woman and an ineffective landlord. Also, age is irrelevant in casting this play--it is very absurd. Feel free to cast any way you want.
    20's-99
    Any
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary